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Patient Education
Bleeding Disorders are also called Coagulopathies which include Hemophilia and Von Willebrand's Disease. Bleeding disorders are often diagnosed after a child has any kind of bleeding, including nosebleeds (epistaxis) or bleeding after surgery, or bruising or petechiae (small red dots). These disorders can also be diagnosed with routine screening labs in children who need to have surgery or who have a family history of someone with a bleeding disorder. Often these laboratory tests need to be repeated to accurately diagnose a patient with a bleeding disorder.
Clotting Disorders are also called Thrombophilias which include Factor V Leiden mutation. These disorders are generally uncommon and can either be diagnosed in a child who has a family history of a clotting disorder or who is diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis. Children with a predisposition to clot require education about the symptoms of a clot and what medications to avoid.
Anemias include a wide variety of disorders including Hemoglobinopathies (Sickle cell disease), Hemolytic anemias (Hereditary Spherocytosis), Nutritional anemias (Iron deficiency) and transient anemias (Anemia of prematurity and Anemia of chronic disease). These disorders are treated differently and come with a wide variety of symptomatology and possible complications. Symptoms of anemia often include pallor, fatigue, headache, lack of energy and irritability, or anemia can be found by routine blood tests.
Platelet Disorders most commonly includes Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura or ITP which causes bleeding, bruising and/or petechiae (small red dots). This disorder is due to antibodies that the child's body makes to their own platelets. Often medications are used when the platelet count drops to a severely low level. There are other rare qualitative platelet disorders which can cause bruising and petechiae.
White Blood Cell Disorders most commonly include Leukopenia and Neutropenia which can occur for a variety of reasons. These disorders are often found on routine blood tests done in healthy children or children who have a fever or infection.
Cancer in children or Oncologic diagnoses are for the most part a different group of diseases than cancers in adults. Children with a tumor or abnormal blood counts must be thoroughly evaluated. Often children may require laboratory testing, radiology tests and surgical biopsies. Children with malignant cancers are treated according to the Children's Oncology Group (COG) protocols. COG is a national and international cooperative group from the National Cancer Institute which conducts research protocols in order to improve treatments of children with cancer. In the 1960s, childhood cancer was fatal and now there is an 85% cure rate overall. Children with cancer require comprehensive care and close follow-up during and after treatment. Education for parents, families and patients is crucial in the process so that parents, patients and the physician work as a team to ensure the best care for the child.
A Blood Count or CBC (complete blood count) measures the number of each type of blood cell in the body. The bone marrow is the "factory" where these blood cells are made. Red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets (PLTS) are made here. A common side effect of chemotherapy is bone marrow depression. When the bone marrow is depressed, the number of RBCs, WBCs and PLT S is decreased. When the number of these blood cells is decreased, one has a "low blood count". Blood counts are done often, so you and your doctor know when your child's blood counts are low and when your child requires special care.
Palm Beach Pediatric Hematology Oncology
12957 Palms West Dr.,Suite 103
Loxahatchee, FL 33470
Phone: (561) 798-9119
Fax: (561) 798-9193
Map/Directions
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